Cultural diversity
Religion
About this topic
Religion records a person's stated religious affiliation, including no religion and not stated responses. It is a measure of cultural identity and belief rather than practice or participation.
This topic helps show the religious diversity of an area and can support planning for community facilities, faith-based services, and inclusive engagement. It is best interpreted with ancestry, birthplace, and language, which together provide a broader picture of cultural composition.
Interpretation notes
- This records stated religious affiliation, not attendance or level of religious practice.
- No religion and not stated are part of the overall picture, so interpretation should consider both affiliation and non-response.
Key insight
In 2021, No religion was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Docklands, accounting for 41.1% (6,379 people). This share was lower than Melbourne (C) (48.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 2,206 people and 3 percentage points.
Section overview
Religion - Ranked by size
Docklands - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises religion for Docklands in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Melbourne (C) and change since 2016.
Religion - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Docklands, with comparison markers for Melbourne (C).
No Religion, so described
2021 count
6,379
% of total
41.1%
Change from 2016
+3.0pp
6,379
41.1%
+3.0pp
Western Catholic
2021 count
2,074
% of total
13.4%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
2,074
13.4%
+0.7pp
Hinduism
2021 count
2,012
% of total
13.0%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
2,012
13.0%
+1.8pp
Not stated
2021 count
1,631
% of total
10.5%
Change from 2016
-4.6pp
1,631
10.5%
-4.6pp
Buddhism
2021 count
728
% of total
4.7%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
728
4.7%
-0.2pp
Islam
2021 count
673
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
673
4.3%
+0.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
2021 count
425
% of total
2.7%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
425
2.7%
-1.1pp
Christianity, nfd
2021 count
337
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
337
2.2%
+0.3pp
Greek Orthodox
2021 count
189
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
189
1.2%
-0.1pp
Uniting Church
2021 count
138
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
138
0.9%
-0.4pp
Chart view
Religion - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
No Religion, so described
+2,206
+3.0pp
Western Catholic
+688
+0.7pp
Hinduism
+780
+1.8pp
Not stated
-23
-4.6pp
Buddhism
+195
-0.2pp
Islam
+268
+0.6pp
Anglican Church of Australia
+14
-1.1pp
Christianity, nfd
+127
+0.3pp
Greek Orthodox
+50
-0.1pp
Uniting Church
-3
-0.4pp
Data table
Religion for Docklands. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Melbourne (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Melbourne (C)% | Count | % | Melbourne (C)% | Count | pp | |
| No Religion, so described | 6,379 | 41.1% | 48.5% | 4,173 | 38.1% | 44.5% | +2,206 | +3.0pp |
| Western Catholic | 2,074 | 13.4% | 13.0% | 1,386 | 12.7% | 12.9% | +688 | +0.7pp |
| Hinduism | 2,012 | 13.0% | 6.1% | 1,232 | 11.2% | 4.0% | +780 | +1.8pp |
| Not stated | 1,631 | 10.5% | 9.0% | 1,654 | 15.1% | 14.2% | -23 | -4.6pp |
| Buddhism | 728 | 4.7% | 6.3% | 533 | 4.9% | 6.9% | +195 | -0.2pp |
| Islam | 673 | 4.3% | 3.9% | 405 | 3.7% | 3.9% | +268 | +0.6pp |
| Anglican Church of Australia | 425 | 2.7% | 3.1% | 411 | 3.8% | 3.6% | +14 | -1.1pp |
| Christianity, nfd | 337 | 2.2% | 2.2% | 210 | 1.9% | 1.9% | +127 | +0.3pp |
| Greek Orthodox | 189 | 1.2% | 0.9% | 139 | 1.3% | 0.8% | +50 | -0.1pp |
| Uniting Church | 138 | 0.9% | 1.0% | 141 | 1.3% | 1.3% | -3 | -0.4pp |
| Total | 15,524 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 10,953 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +4,571 | 0.0pp |
Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.